“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
(Acts 1:8 ESV)
Dear Friends of the Risen Saviour,
Easter greetings!
When you read it, you can easily miss the meaning of Jesus’ words. These words above were spoken to His disciples just prior to His ascension into heaven. “You will be my witnesses” is pretty clear. They had seen the risen Jesus with their own eyes. They were not to keep quiet about what they had witnessed. But to whom were they to speak? To those in Jerusalem – which is right where they were – their literal neighbours; to those in “all Judea” –which is those in their region, beyond their immediate neighbourhood; to those in “Samaria” – which is those of a different culture – which makes me think of our District’s missions in Quebec and Eastern Canada; and finally, “to the end of the earth.”
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That is you and me! While I wasn’t there when our resurrected Lord was standing before them, we have read and heard the Scriptures, the faithful witness of those who were there – and we have believed. Jesus therefore says that we are blessed. Now let’s adopt Jesus’ instructions to bear witness to the Good News in Jesus Christ to our ever-widening circles.
Let’s support the work of our district and synod. Let’s be creative about how to reach out in our Burlington/GTHA community.
The Lord be with you!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Sunday, May 8, Seventh Sunday of Easter
9:00 Sunday School, Adult Class
10:30 Matins with alternative accompaniment
11:30 Coffee Hour
PoP News …
Thursday, May 5, is the festival day of the Ascension of our Lord. We will have a communion service at 7:00 that evening. Come and rejoice in the victory of our Lord who ascended to the Father to govern, guide and protect His holy Church on earth!
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast – our men are invited to Pilgrim Lutheran Church for their monthly Bible study/breakfast get together on May 14th at 8:00am, 1054 Upper Sherman Ave., Hamilton.
Your Pastor Makes House Calls!! A sign-up sheet on the bulletin board has times that I am available to come visit. It is my desire to know you better and pray for your needs. Sign up whether it’s time for another visit or a first-time visit.
Midweek Communion Service: On Thursday, May 12, the pastors of the Hamilton Circuit will be meeting at Prince of Peace for their monthly “winkel.” As a congregation, we’d like to offer an opportunity for the pastors to receive the Lord’s Supper. Being a congregational event, members of Prince of Peace are welcome to attend. The service begins at 9:30am and runs less than an hour.
Exclusive Tour: Members and friends of Prince of Peace are invited to an event offered by the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in conjunction with our Joyful Seniors. It’s a private Open House tour of the new JBH Mock Up Rooms located at 835 Harrington Court, Burlington, on Friday May 27, 5:30 to 7:00pm. Tour the five new Joseph Brant Hospital Mock-Up rooms and learn more about the transformational change underway, as our community hospital embarks on the largest and most significant expansion in its history. Please RSVP your attendance by Tuesday, May 24th to Donna. (Please cross off the May 11th Joyful Seniors event on your calendar).
Online News …
Please pray for residents of Fort McMurray evacuated due to massive wildfires . . . Please keep the residents, fire fighters, and other emergency workers in your prayers as wildfires continue to burn out of control. A mandatory evacuation of the entire city of Fort McMurray (a population of over 80,000 people) is the largest evacuation in Alberta’s history. We give thanks that there have been no fatalities or serious injuries reported at this time. Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has set up a Wildfire Relief Appeal to assist the rebuilding efforts. A reported 1600 structures have been affected. Emergency funds will be channeled through Lutheran churches in the city. Follow CBC live blog updates about the fire.
New Urgency for 2016 March for Life: Pro-life Canadians are preparing for this year’s National March for Life in Ottawa, with Lutherans planning to be among them. The march takes on new importance this year with the impending legalization of physician assisted suicide. READ MORE #endthekilling
LCC unveils logo for 2017 Reformation anniversary celebrations: Get your first look here.
2016/2017 Master Budget for LCC, East District: The 2016/17 East District Master Budget is now available for download from the District website. To download your copy, click HERE. A paper copy of the detailed budget will be mailed to each congregation as soon as possible.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those undergoing medical appointments and tests
- Thanksgiving for those recovering
- Those with parents in transition regarding health and housing
- Friends and family struggling with cancer
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
